The Archi­tecture of Work

USM and Alexander May Studio present The Architecture of Work, a spatial exploration of the relationship between design and architecture, offering a modern perspective on the workplace environment. The project presents six modular officescapes, designed by May, that reinterpret the logic and proportion of the workplace through the adaptable USM Haller system. Each officescape is a functional workspace that reflects May’s consideration of spatial typologies and working behaviours, demonstrating how the versatility of USM modular furniture meets the needs of modern professionals.

Conceived after May’s relocation to New York City in 2024, the project takes inspiration from the architectural and intellectual density of the city, as well as the site it was designed within – the creative hub WSA in downtown Manhattan, blurring the lines of the arts, production, working space, food, play and culture. WSA’s space reflects a distinct mid-century corporate optimism when architecture and labour were integrated. Originally designed by Emery Roth & Sons as the AIG headquarters, this historical framework shaped May’s approach – questioning the relationship between spatial design and work today. As a result, The Architecture of Work is a direct response to the space and city it occupies, interpreting work through the lens of local professionals and the environments they occupy.

Leveraging USM as an architectural language, May developed six distinct officescapes representing an archetype of working intelligence within a physical manifestation:

•    THE COLLECTOR – curiosity and reference
•    THE STRATEGIST – structure and restraint
•    THE EDITOR – precision and rhythm
•    THE MAKER – experimentation and tactility
•    THE ARCHIVIST – accumulation and order
•    THE OBSERVER – contemplation and perspective

Each configuration emphasises proportion and adaptability, and underscores the capacity of USM to create flexible, functional, and inspiring workspaces.

“The needs of modern work are fluid, constantly redefined by technology, geography, and personality,” shares May. “Using the adaptability of the USM Haller system, my approach was to create environments that are not prescriptive – spaces that can adapt to the evolving patterns of creative and intellectual life. Each officescape is designed to encourage clarity of thought, calm, and self-definition – qualities that, to me, define the new architecture of work.”

Alexander May is a New York–based creative director whose practice operates at the intersection of art, design, and architecture. His work explores how spatial systems shape culture and identity, spanning architecture, interiors, collectible design, and brand environments. Through his curatorial platform SIZED, May produces exhibitions and site-specific installations that merge cultural production with spatial design. Recent collaborations include USM, SKIMS, and Pierre Augustin Rose.

www.alexandermay.ltd
@alexander____may

WSA is a creative hub located at 161 Water Street in downtown New York City, reimagining the traditional office building as a multidisciplinary destination where work, culture, and community intersect. Bringing together studios, event spaces, food and beverage concepts, and creative offices under one roof, WSA provides an immersive environment for artists, designers, and innovative companies to create, collaborate, and connect.

wsa.nyc
@wsanyc

Photographer: Billal Taright, @billaltaright

If you want to purchase a USM Haller piece yourself design it now in our online configurator or find your local sales partner.